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New Proposal Seeks to Triple NHTSA Fundinghttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/02/new-proposal-seeks-to-triple-nhtsa-funding.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/02/new-proposal-seeks-to-triple-nhtsa-funding.html#commentsTue, 03 Feb 2015 11:09:43 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=271735New Proposal Seeks to Triple NHTSA FundingThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) could see a major boost in funding if President Obama has his way. The President’s budget proposal for fiscal 2016 would nearly triple the funding for NHTSA’s Office of Defect Investigation, the division that examines vehicle safety defects. The White House is proposing to allocate $31.3 million to the... more]]>

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) could see a major boost in funding if President Obama has his way.

The President’s budget proposal for fiscal 2016 would nearly triple the funding for NHTSA’s Office of Defect Investigation, the division that examines vehicle safety defects. The White House is proposing to allocate $31.3 million to the Office of Defect Investigation, up from $11 million for the current fiscal year. The request would also more than double the office’s employees from 51 to 108 including 22 engineers and more investigators, statisticians and other works that can bolster the department’s ability to detect and analyze safety defects.

The additional funding is part of a plan to spend nearly $6 billion on NHTSA over the next six years. Given the amount of vehicles that have been recalled and the recent massive ignition-switch recall from GM that accounts for at least 51 deaths, NHTSA has faced criticism from lawmakers and safety advocates over the last year.

NHTSA’s current Administrator, Mark Rosekind, has made it clear several times that the agency is underfunded and currently employs eight defect screeners, 16 defect investigators and four analysts.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/02/new-proposal-seeks-to-triple-nhtsa-funding.html/feed0more]]>Obama Administration Seeks New NHTSA Headhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/10/obama-administration-seeks-new-nhtsa-head.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/10/obama-administration-seeks-new-nhtsa-head.html#commentsWed, 29 Oct 2014 11:33:52 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=260669Obama Administration Seeks New NHTSA HeadAn active search is underway for a new administrator for The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Currently helmed by David Friedman, a series of perceived failures by Friedman makes it unlikely that he will be nominated for the position. Friedman has been serving as acting head of the agency but is not expected to... more]]>

An active search is underway for a new administrator for The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Currently helmed by David Friedman, a series of perceived failures by Friedman makes it unlikely that he will be nominated for the position. Friedman has been serving as acting head of the agency but is not expected to be chosen by the Obama administration for the job. This year alone, NHTSA has been criticized for responding slowly to the massive General Motors ignition switch recall and most recently, the airbag defect from Takata that has resulted in millions of cars being recalled.

Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and officials at the White House have not hinted on who they have in mind to run the agency. Foxx did recently say that a nominee would be announced soon, but did not mention if the administration planned to nominate Friedman. Friedman assumed the position when David Strickland resigned last December and has spent most of this year defending the agency’s actions for the last decade.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/10/obama-administration-seeks-new-nhtsa-head.html/feed0more]]>Obama Proposes New Alternative Fuel Tax Credithttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/02/obama-proposes-new-alternative-fueltax-credit.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/02/obama-proposes-new-alternative-fueltax-credit.html#commentsTue, 18 Feb 2014 21:02:35 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=234103Obama Proposes New Alternative Fuel Tax CreditPresident Barack Obama announced a new $200 million tax credit for the development of alternative fuel technologies in a continued effort to reduce U.S. oil consumption. The announcement came as part of the speech Obama gave today in Upper Marlboro, Md., where he directed the EPA and NHTSA to outline new rules for increased fuel... more]]>

President Barack Obama announced a new $200 million tax credit for the development of alternative fuel technologies in a continued effort to reduce U.S. oil consumption.

The announcement came as part of the speech Obama gave today in Upper Marlboro, Md., where he directed the EPA and NHTSA to outline new rules for increased fuel efficiency standards affecting medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.

More immediately, the new tax credit would encourage private investment in green transportation. Rather than supporting one form of alternative fuel transportation, the credit is fuel neutral, the White House said today in a statement. That opens it to an array of options including biofuels, electrification, natural gas, hydrogen or other alternative fuels.

Previous government efforts to stimulate green car production fell under hard criticism. The U.S. Department of Energy’s $25 billion loan program began in 2007 but was scrutinized after two of the five companies it funded stopped producing vehicles.

In 2011, the Obama administration called for one million electric cars to be on the road by 2015, but backed off that goal last year in January.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/02/obama-proposes-new-alternative-fueltax-credit.html/feed1more]]>New Efficiency Rules Expected for HD Trucks by 2016http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/02/new-efficiency-rules-expected-hd-trucks-2016.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/02/new-efficiency-rules-expected-hd-trucks-2016.html#commentsTue, 18 Feb 2014 14:07:05 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=234032New Efficiency Rules Expected for HD Trucks by 2016President Barack Obama will outline a timetable today to introduce new fuel efficiency standards in medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Obama will visit a Safeway Inc. distribution center today in Upper Marlboro, Md. to highlight its efforts to improve grocery truck efficiency. At the time, he will announce timing for the EPA and National Highway Traffic Safety... more]]>

President Barack Obama will outline a timetable today to introduce new fuel efficiency standards in medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.

Obama will visit a Safeway Inc. distribution center today in Upper Marlboro, Md. to highlight its efforts to improve grocery truck efficiency. At the time, he will announce timing for the EPA and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to propose new truck fuel efficiency standards by March, 2015, with a final decision in March, 2016.

Technologies not currently in use will be considered as a part of the next round of regulations. The White House said today that they will include hybridization, powertrain efficiency improvements, aerodynamics and others. Garbage trucks, semi-trailers and busses will be affected, but so will heavy duty pickup trucks.

“The president’s initiative is an important step driving America toward a cleaner energy future. Strong heavy truck efficiency standards will not only cut carbon pollution that fuels climate change, but also save consumers money every time they go to a store and save truckers money at the pump,” president of the Natural Resources Defense Council Frances Beinecke said in a statement.

Obama’s announcement today is part of a greater move to improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Light-duty vehicles are already subject to increasingly strict rules with a mandated corporate average fuel consumption of 54.5 mpg by 2025.

“Just as clean car standards are revitalizing the American auto industry, which added more than 370,000 jobs, setting the bar higher for trucks will further encourage innovation in the industry. This is a win-win for the environment and the economy.”

In 2011, the EPA and NHTSA put emissions standards in place for the first time for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles that will reduce emissions between 10 and 20 percent. Those regulations took place for the 2014 model year and run through 2018.

GALLERY: 2015 Chevy Silverado HD

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/02/new-efficiency-rules-expected-hd-trucks-2016.html/feed0more]]>Government Backs Away From Million EV Goal for 2015http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/01/government-backs-away-from-million-ev-goal-for-2015.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/01/government-backs-away-from-million-ev-goal-for-2015.html#commentsThu, 31 Jan 2013 20:33:26 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=179356Government Backs Away From Million EV Goal for 2015The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is backing away from its previously announced plan to see 1 million electric cars on U.S. roads by 2015, saying the timeline isn’t really all that important. “Whether we meet that goal in 2015 or 2016, that’s less important than that we’re on the right path to get many... more]]>

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is backing away from its previously announced plan to see 1 million electric cars on U.S. roads by 2015, saying the timeline isn’t really all that important.

“Whether we meet that goal in 2015 or 2016, that’s less important than that we’re on the right path to get many millions of these vehicles on the road,” an Energy Department official said.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu (pictured) outlined a plan during the Washington D.C. Auto Show that could be a more realistic outlook at the pace of EV adoption by American drivers.

Achieving that and reducing emissions have both been key parts of the Obama government’s automotive plan. Regulations for corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) numbers to reach 54.5 mpg by 2025 are still in place, and electric cars will probably play a key role in helping automakers achieve that.

High costs and questions about long-term reliability hurt sales so far, but the DOE is backing a new plan now to promote research into lithium ion battery technology that could help lower those costs. The plan aims to lower the cost, which currently sits at $650 per kilowatt hour to $300.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/01/government-backs-away-from-million-ev-goal-for-2015.html/feed0more]]>A Second Term and What it Means for the Auto Industryhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/11/a-second-term-and-what-it-means-for-the-auto-industry.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/11/a-second-term-and-what-it-means-for-the-auto-industry.html#commentsWed, 07 Nov 2012 19:43:06 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=164697A Second Term and What it Means for the Auto IndustryCries rang throughout the world last night as President Barack Obama clinched a second term in office, but what that means for the auto industry is still somewhat unclear. Key issues still sit on the table including what will be done with the 500 million federally-owned shares of GM stock. During his campaign, Romney said... more]]>

Cries rang throughout the world last night as President Barack Obama clinched a second term in office, but what that means for the auto industry is still somewhat unclear.

Key issues still sit on the table including what will be done with the 500 million federally-owned shares of GM stock. During his campaign, Romney said he would dispense of the shares were he elected. Now the question remains: what will become of those shares and when?

Electric car manufacturers probably breathed a collective sigh of relief last night too. The Obama Administration encouraged and supported electric car manufacturers through subsidies, something that raised harsh criticism at times over American tax dollars being poured into foreign companies.

Those policies are likely to not only continue, but to be bolstered now that there isn’t an election looming.

The 54.5 mpg corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) policy recently put into place prompted groans from some members of the auto industry, but it might not be all bad for automakers. Predictability means a lot to companies planning product changes that will potentially be in effect until 2025.

A mandate for all cars to have backup cameras by 2014 was also put on hold after automakers complained about the added cost to new cars. With the President re-elected, that issue is also likely to be put back on the table.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/11/a-second-term-and-what-it-means-for-the-auto-industry.html/feed0more]]>AutoGuide Week-In-Reverse: Obama, Romney Banned from GM, 2014 Mazda6 Revealedhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/09/autoguide-week-in-reverse-obama-romney-banned-from-gm-2014-mazda6-revealed.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/09/autoguide-week-in-reverse-obama-romney-banned-from-gm-2014-mazda6-revealed.html#commentsMon, 03 Sep 2012 14:02:53 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=153475AutoGuide Week-In-Reverse: Obama, Romney Banned from GM, 2014 Mazda6 RevealedThe automotive industry is a global business that is constantly evolving and growing, and we here at AutoGuide know it can be hard to keep up sometimes. So here is a summary of the top stories you may have missed this week: Tesla Model S Real World Range Tested at 238 Miles The Tesla Model S has an EPA-rated... more]]>

The automotive industry is a global business that is constantly evolving and growing, and we here at AutoGuide know it can be hard to keep up sometimes. So here is a summary of the top stories you may have missed this week:

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/09/autoguide-week-in-reverse-obama-romney-banned-from-gm-2014-mazda6-revealed.html/feed0more]]>GM Headed for Bankruptcy Again: Forbes Op-Edhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/08/gm-headed-for-bankruptcy-again-forbes-op-ed.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/08/gm-headed-for-bankruptcy-again-forbes-op-ed.html#commentsSun, 19 Aug 2012 16:01:26 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=150907GM Headed for Bankruptcy Again: Forbes Op-EdRecently we reported that the auto bailout cost had increased to $25 billion, mostly due to General Motors‘ plummeting stock price. Things could, however, get worse for GM before they get any better – if they get any better. That at least is the opinion of Louis Woodhill, a contributor to Forbes magazine, who has... more]]>

Recently we reported that the auto bailout cost had increased to $25 billion, mostly due to General Motors‘ plummeting stock price. Things could, however, get worse for GM before they get any better – if they get any better.

That at least is the opinion of Louis Woodhill, a contributor to Forbes magazine, who has penned a controversial proclamation that America’s largest automaker is headed for bankruptcy once again. Here’s Woodhill’s reasoning:

In the past couple of years since GM went public 0n November 17th, 2010, the American automaker has failed to recapture a significant amount of market share, and some of it newest models have been a little underwhelming to say the least – the Chevy Malibu in particular. Thanks to the bailout, the federal government owns half a billion shares of GM, or about 26-percent of the automaker. While GM’s stock went public at $33 a share, it’s currently hovering around $20 a share, meaning it has dropped in value by a significant 39%.

As a result, in order to break even on the bailout, shares would have to reach $53 each for the government to sell.

Making matters worse is the fact that GM’s stock has underperformed relative to the market. During the period since GM went public in November of 2010, the DOW Industrial Average has risen 20 percent, meaning the current shares have actually lost 49% of their value relative to the DOW.

Woodhill puts the blame on poor products and poor leadership. Initially seen as a flop, the Chevrolet Volt has seen rising sales this year, though it’s hardly enough to keep GM appealing to the masses. The bigger issue is the new Chevy Malibu, the Malibu Eco in particular, which is regarded as uncompetitive with industry leaders.

And then there’s the spate of changes in senior management, most notably the recent departure of Global Marketing Head, Joel Ewanick. According to Woodhill and his crystal ball, CEO Dan Akerson just rearranging the chairs on the deck of the Titanic.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/08/gm-headed-for-bankruptcy-again-forbes-op-ed.html/feed16more]]>Obama MPG Rule Delayed by Administrationhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/08/obama-mpg-rule-delayed-by-administration.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/08/obama-mpg-rule-delayed-by-administration.html#commentsThu, 16 Aug 2012 14:43:43 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=150393Obama MPG Rule Delayed by AdministrationLikely behind countless sleepless nights among the world’s automotive engineers, the Obama administration’s mandate for improved fuel efficiency was expected to take effect yesterday, but the gun remains unfired. It isn’t clear why the rule hasn’t been issued yet, but at least for now there seems to be a little extra time on the table... more]]>

Likely behind countless sleepless nights among the world’s automotive engineers, the Obama administration’s mandate for improved fuel efficiency was expected to take effect yesterday, but the gun remains unfired.

It isn’t clear why the rule hasn’t been issued yet, but at least for now there seems to be a little extra time on the table for automakers to meet the 54.5 mpg CAFE numbers expected by 2025.

“The rule is still undergoing interagency review and we expect that process to be completed soon,” Lynda Tran, a spokeswoman for the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said Tuesday in an e-mail with Automotive News.

When it does take effect, NHTSA says the rule will nearly double the fuel efficiency of cars on the road today. That doesn’t necessarily mean what you might think it does, though.

CAFE stands for corporate average fuel economy. In other words, the average fuel economy will have to be a lot higher than it is today across an automaker’s entire lineup. While it isn’t guaranteed, there’s a good chance companies will turn to stopgap cars into play to help boost those figures early in the game.

It might seem like the government is trying to play God with the automotive world, and to a certain extent that is the case, but it isn’t as extreme as the on-paper numbers sound.

Expect to see hybrids playing an even larger role in the coming years. Battery technology is only getting better, meaning cars that rely on electric assistance will only become cheaper and more efficient. Clean diesels will also play a bigger role, with cars like the Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 BlueTec debuting in the U.S. market this year.

This doesn’t spell doom for performance driving either. Gas isn’t getting any cheaper and neither are cars, but if last weekend’s Pikes Peak Hill Climb proved anything, it was that EVs can pack a serious punch.

The CAFE mandate delay isn’t likely to last very long, but at least that doesn’t have to be a bad thing.

Lutz declared his support during a Wednesday appearance on CNBC’s The Kudlow Report. Given his republican background it wouldn’t come as a surprise that the former marine would take that path were it not for his steadfast support for GM’s controversial first venture into electric vehicles.

Often referred to as the “Obamacar” in bloodthirsty right-wing powwows, it didn’t take long for Fox News and others of its ilk to leap on the Volt like pirañas stripping a cow. Romney wasn’t above making a few remarks in that direction while it was fashionable, nor was he subtle about his opinion of the auto industry bailout.

In 2008 he published an op-ed piece in the New York Times called “Let Detroit Go Bankrupt,” something Lutz seems to be looking past for now. That wasn’t the case at the time, though. At that point, the GM exec blasted Romney for suggesting the car companies didn’t explore other options.

The impending reality of a two-term Obama government is pressing forward, and as November creeps ever closer the two have set their squabbles aside. Romney has pledged to dispatch the U.S. Treasury’s stake in GM quickly if elected and Lutz is making it clear that all is forgiven for the chance to oust Obama.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/06/bob-lutz-endorses-romney-chevy-volt-sheds-a-tear.html/feed5more]]>Majority of Americans Still Oppose Auto Bailout, Poll Findshttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/02/majority-americans-still-oppose-auto-bailout.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/02/majority-americans-still-oppose-auto-bailout.html#commentsThu, 23 Feb 2012 21:32:06 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=115816Majority of Americans Still Oppose Auto Bailout, Poll FindsElection season is upon us and that means one thing, more mudslinging than a figure-eight demolition derby. The auto industry bailout will certainly near the top of the many contentious issues Republican candidates vying for their party nomination will latch into. That desperate move by the government between 2008 and 2009 is still sparking hot debates and dividing opinion,... more]]>

Election season is upon us and that means one thing, more mudslinging than a figure-eight demolition derby.

The auto industry bailout will certainly near the top of the many contentious issues Republican candidates vying for their party nomination will latch into. That desperate move by the government between 2008 and 2009 is still sparking hot debates and dividing opinion, though overall sentiment is still negative according to a new Gallup poll.

It found that 51 percent of those surveyed still disapprove of the $85 billion rescue effort, with only 44 percent saying they approve of the decision.

As might be expected, that division grows when examined between political parties. Republicans showed 73 percent opposition to the bailout while 63 percent of Democrats supported it.

Sentiments are, however, improving over the general opinion displayed in 2009 when the branding iron was still hot and tax dollars spent on saving big business felt closer and more real.

Three years later, the U.S. treasury could still lose money on the bailout if GM stocks fail to recover, but it seems that some of the public who were quick to cry out have forgotten or become complacent.

Still, the issue around supporting Chrysler and GM is one that the Republicans are likely to leverage against Obama during this year’s race when the number might slide back toward more negative territory.

How do you feel about the bailout? Tell us in the comments section or find us on Twitter.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/02/majority-americans-still-oppose-auto-bailout.html/feed0more]]>Truck With President Obama’s Telepromter Audio Gear Stolen In Virginiahttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/10/truck-with-president-obamas-telepromter-audio-gear-stolen-in-virginia.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/10/truck-with-president-obamas-telepromter-audio-gear-stolen-in-virginia.html#commentsTue, 18 Oct 2011 19:04:28 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=88038Truck With President Obama’s Telepromter Audio Gear Stolen In VirginiaA truck containing a teleprompter and audio gear used by President Barack Obama was stolen in Virginia, prompting questions about security lapses. The gear, estimated at about $200,000, was parked in a van at a Virginia hotel parking lot ahead of Obama’s visit to the area. The van was said to be carrying audio equipment,... more]]>

A truck containing a teleprompter and audio gear used by President Barack Obama was stolen in Virginia, prompting questions about security lapses.

The gear, estimated at about $200,000, was parked in a van at a Virginia hotel parking lot ahead of Obama’s visit to the area. The van was said to be carrying audio equipment, podiums and even the Presidential seal, which only Obama is allowed to stand behind. The truck was eventually recovered, but details about the equipment’s status has not been made public.

The truck was said to be unmarked but wearing government tags, and observers are questioning whether this was simply a random vehicle theft that happened to be carrying important cargo, or whether the goods were specifically targeted by thieves.